Youngsters and locals learning to tackle knife crime

Officers and staff from Derbyshire Constabulary are taking the fight against knife crime to local communities and schools as part of a national week of action. 

During Operation Sceptre, local teams are providing a number of pop up visits for communities to talk to them, ask questions and find out more about knife crime.

A number of primary and secondary schools, as well as youth groups across the county are also receiving inputs to educate youngsters on the consequences and warn them of the dangers of carrying a knife.

The week is an opportunity for the force to highlight the excellent ongoing work being done to keep knife crime out of Derbyshire.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Youth Engagement colleagues are spending the week delivering inputs and lessons, which highlight the dangers and the impact of knife crime, as well as vital lessons in how to avoid getting involved.

One of those working hard to make sure these valuable inputs are heard in schools is Youth Engagement Officer Julie Berry.

She said: “Giving children the tools to recognise when they are potentially being led into crime, understand the consequences and allow them to discuss different scenarios is vital to this early intervention and keeping knife crime out of Derbyshire.

“It can have devastating consequences when that small minority of people who think it is acceptable to do so pick up a knife, and a key element of reducing this even further is to educate about this in schools.

“These inputs are designed to quash those myths, for example, that carrying a knife makes you safer. In fact, it puts you significantly more at risk.

“They also spell out the dangers of picking up a knife, not only in terms of their own safety but also the consequences of being arrested and having a conviction.”

 

#OpSceptre #KnivesShatterLives #DropTheKnife

 

If you are concerned about knife crime in your area or have information about someone who is carrying a knife contact us using the following non-emergency methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call us on 101.
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Always ring 999 in an emergency.